In-Service Bridge Inspection Manager

State of Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented In-Service Bridge Inspection Manager to lead its statewide in-service bridge inspection program. Reporting to the Bridge Operations Engineer, the manager oversees in-house inspection staff and consultant teams, manages the structures inspection database and files, and develops program guidance and quality-control metrics to ensure compliance with Federal Highway Administration standards. The program provides condition data that supports Utah’s bridge and tunnel planning, preservation, and asset management strategies. The role includes coordinating bridge and tunnel inspections, reviewing reports and findings, managing critical structural assessments, maintaining inventory data, supporting federal compliance and reporting, and overseeing staff training and certifications. It also includes direct supervision of in-house inspectors and management of consultant contracts, scopes, schedules, fees, and performance.

Requirements

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah; out-of-state licensees must obtain Utah reciprocity before their official start date.
At least two years of professional engineering experience following initial PE licensure.
Knowledge of civil engineering and bridge inspection principles, theories, and practices.
Knowledge of bridge preservation, rehabilitation, and construction methods and practices.
Direct experience with bridge inspection databases and reporting software.
Ability to evaluate complex inspection data against technical standards using logical reasoning.
Ability to identify core issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective technical solutions.
Ability to establish program objectives and define action plans.
Direct supervisory skills to manage staff performance, workflows, and professional development.
Experience overseeing consultant contracts, including scope, schedule, and budget management.
Strong organizational skills to manage, track, and optimize operational tools and workflows.
Clear verbal communication skills for team alignment, inter-agency reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
Exceptional technical writing skills for documenting inspection findings, writing reports, and formulating guidance documents.
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and units.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in bridge inspection and/or engineering program management.
Five or more years of post-licensure PE experience in bridge planning, structural design, load rating, construction, inspection, or bridge asset management.
FHWA-approved Bridge Inspection, Tunnel Inspection, and NSTM Inspection training courses.

Responsibilities

Understand and implement national bridge and tunnel inspection standards within the state in-service inspection program.
Manage the bridge and tunnel inventory, including assigning new structure numbers, tracking out-of-service structures and ownership changes, and maintaining the bridge/structures file.
Evaluate, modify, and establish policies and processes related to inspection and inspection management.
Provide technical guidance and operational direction to inspection teams in accordance with national standards and UDOT policies.
Work with the Bridge Operations Engineer to develop, refine, and enforce quality-control metrics and program guidance.
Assist the Bridge Operations Engineer with federal compliance and annual FHWA and GASB reporting requirements.
Plan, schedule, assign, and coordinate in-service bridge and tunnel inspections across in-house and consultant teams.
Serve as Team Leader for bridge and tunnel inspections, perform QA/QC reviews of inspection reports, and assist with special inspections.
Review field inspection findings and escalate critical condition updates for future bridge and tunnel planning and programming.
Manage structural assessment of critical findings.
Partner with the Structures Senior Data Scientist to manage and maintain the statewide bridge and tunnel inventory database and dashboards.
Coordinate with the Bridge Operations Coordinator to log and communicate maintenance work candidates for local UDOT maintenance stations.
Collaborate with the Load Rating Engineer on load-rating reevaluations or postings triggered by inspection findings.
Develop, monitor, and maintain training programs and certifications for state and consultant inspectors.
Directly supervise and mentor in-house bridge inspectors.
Oversee consultant contracts, including scopes of work, delivery schedules, fee negotiations, and overall performance.